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Raleigh, N.C. — Billie Redmond, a Raleigh business owner, said Thursday that she plans to run for mayor.

Redmond is chief executive of Coldwell Banker Commercial TradeMark Properties, one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the Triangle. She also is a former chairwoman of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.

"I am so fortunate to call this wonderful city home and am a firm believer that Raleigh’s best days are yet to come," Redmond told supporters in her announcement. "But there are also challenges on the horizon to maintain our place in an increasingly competitive local, regional and global economy."

She said she would draw on her management experience to lead Raleigh into a mode where the city can grow and create private-sector jobs.

"This campaign is about one thing – jobs," she said. "I believe that meeting the demands and challenges of a tough economy – and creating jobs – requires strong leadership and someone who understands how jobs are created and maintained."

City Councilwoman Nancy McFarlane is the only other announced candidate for mayor. Incumbent Charles Meeker said in April that he doesn't plan to seek a sixth term in the October election.

Copyright 2011 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

goraleighJun 24, 2011

It is so amazing how many people can openly criticize another person without really trying to know who that person is. With so much information at your fingertips, maybe you should do a little more research before making hasty political conclusions.

Born2RambleJun 24, 2011

One career stalled, now lets move on to another one that we can use to boost our image and our business! Hello conflict of interest. Her running for mayor has to be better for self promotion than her face on a bench, bus or billboard. I can see it now, yes, let me help you start your small business, permits will take about 4 months unless you lease on of my properties in which case we can have you up and running next week! And you got to love that the only positive things people have to say about her are direct quotes from her own speech. Give me a break. She is a self promoting puppet that should be required to take an ethics course before her name ever appears on a ballot.

supermanJun 24, 2011

I think one of her first plans is to close downdown to traffic and to build a new convention center. The new one will be bigger and better and lose more money.

chattycatJun 24, 2011

Don't know her, never heard of her and sure as heck would not vote for a commercial real estate agent, are you kidding me? Have had to work with people like this for years and the majority of them are shady and cannot be trusted.

jaydosseJun 24, 2011

Who cares?? Politicians are all alike!! Does it really matter if she is a Real Estate exec??? I wouldn't care if she was a popcorn vendor!!!! Change for the better and integrity are a waning human quality.....ssssiiiigggghhhh ooohhhhhh mmmmyyyyy

someyJun 23, 2011

I would vote for IceCreamMan over these 2....probably;)

DefiantJun 23, 2011

I agree. Have never heard of her. Wonder if their is a conflict of interest with her developing Raleigh and being a real estate agent.

IceCreamManJun 23, 2011

I feel like I could run for mayor and have a good shot against these two.

raleighwood13Jun 23, 2011

I think this is exactly what Raleigh needs! Billie stated that her campaign would focus on job creation for the city’s residents. “I’m running for mayor because I believe that meeting the demands and challenges of a tough economy and creating jobs requires strong leadership and someone who understands how jobs are created and maintained,” she said.

shellsun66Jun 23, 2011

rand 321 "Who is she? What has she done for the city? I have never heard of her, nor heard her try to work with the chamber and otehr groups to help Raleigh? why now?"Billie Redmond has served an unprecedented extended term as the 2002 and 2003 chair of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce